Mary Rezny Photography (2016)
Artist's Statement
All my life, I had difficulty understanding the underlying nature of my existence. For a long time, I looked outside myself for connection, direction, and validation. I searched and struggled with this until I could go on no more and felt my spirit was broken. This turned out to be a good thing in the end.
I began painting seriously at a small liberal arts college in Kentucky. That is when I started to heal and learn a visual language that permitted me to communicate accurately with myself and others.
Because of my painting, I have accepted life's disturbing contradictions and opposites. I have been able to accept instead of question. It has become my sanctuary.
My work is about receiving the whole package of life, the good and the bad, as the best of gifts. In embracing all of it, I find a certain beautiful spiritual rest for my soul. The pleasure of listening to great music while I paint has let me experience an opening up. In the music, I hear the pain and joy of humanity and what it means to be truly alive. The imagery of musical instruments is significant because of the unspeakably rich passion I hear from them.
Elements of nature are also a common thread; flowers, trees, streams, etc. To me, the tiniest things in nature are comforting in this big, ever-changing world. The figures are portrayed in stick-like forms because I feel we are fragile, almost ephemeral. I seek harmony and depth in the color and formal space of the canvas – a feeling of both darkness and lightness.
Motherhood has enriched my life in a way I would not have known possible. Painting is the only way to express the gratitude and richness my daughter’s presence has brought to my life.
Horses have always been a large part of my life. As one who stutters, I have found the nonverbal communication with them incredibly freeing. They have mystical ancient-feeling souls and far-away eyes. They have taught me so much about unspoken ways of being, and I owe them a great deal.
My work is now in extensive private collections across the United States and Europe. I feel incredibly blessed to be able to paint, and I hope I will always reach inside my spirit and become more honest.
A portion of my merchandise goes to the equine rescue organization I believe in, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. TAA inspects and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations that retire, retrain and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding.
Rick Samuels Photography (2019)
Tuesday through Saturday
Noon to 5 PM or by Appointment
118 W Main St, Midway, KY 40347 | On the residential side of Main St.
(859) 704-0892
